2017 Jeep Gladiator

Even though most people these days may be unaware, Jeep has been making pickup trucks in the past. This changed when Chrysler took over the company because Ram and Dodge were the ones making the trucks. However, after Dodge discontinued the Dakota the FCA group has been left without a compact truck, a market which has been growing significantly over the past few years. After GM had launched the Colorado and Ford announced the Ranger, Jeep followed shortly. This came as a surprise to many because even though there have been rumors, most people thought that Dodge would revive the Dakota name.

Luckily this is not the case, and their new compact truck will more than likely be the future 2017 Jeep Gladiator. So far there have only been rumors about this model and not all that much official information. Jeep did confirm that they will be making a truck back at the start of 2016, but only a few months ago the first development mules of the upcoming Gladiator have been seen.

Source: roadandtrack.com

What is it?

Instead of being a Fiat or Mitsubishi-based truck, like many suggested, the Gladiator will actually share its chassis with the Wrangler. The truck will feature an extended version of the crossover’s chassis but the engines, as well as most of the suspension system, should be similar. This will allow Jeep to develop the truck without having to invest in retooling a factory to make it. So far the development mules seem to be around 10 to 15 inches longer than the four-door Wrangler which makes for quite a long truck.

However, this should not be a problem, especially since GM has the Colorado out there which is longer than some versions of the Silverado. The release date for the 2017 Jeep Gladiator is still under wraps but considering where the truck is in its development stage, expect a concept by the end of 2017. Its price will likely be under $25,000 for a base model in order to compete with the Colorado and the future Ranger.

2017 Jeep Gladiator

Instead of going for a Ram-based design scheme, the Gladiator will actually be the pickup version of the Wrangler. This is a very interesting approach but considering how unique it would be, Jeep should have no problem in selling tons of them. The front end is going to be identical to that of the regular Wrangler with the already well-known Jeep grille, the round headlights, and the inspired off-road bumper. The cabin should also be close to identical to the four-door Wrangler as well.

However, the back will feature a medium-sized bed that will likely be modular in order to allow it to compete with the Colorado and Ranger. So far it still is unclear what the design will be but considering the spy shots, expect something featuring Jeep’s well known modern-classic feel.

Interior details

Unfortunately, at this point, we can’t say all that much about the cadbin of the truck. It seems that it will be available in two different cab configurations featuring two, three or five seats. In any case, the Gladiator should feature the same dashboard as the Wrangler as well as the same off-road inspired materials which should resist wear and tear with flying colors.

Source: raodandtruck.com

2017 Jeep Gladiator

One of the most important parts of a truck is its engine. Well, there are some very good news about the 2017 Jeep Gladiator. It still is unclear if the truck will receive all three engines that will power the Wrangler but any of the three would be a great choice. The base of the three is a 2 liter turbocharged inline four which has been specifically developed for the Wrangler. This engine was spied a few months ago, and it seems it will be a reincarnation of the Hurricane name. It is expected to make more than 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.

On top of it, a larger 3.6 liter naturally aspirated V6 with around 335 horsepower, and over 280 lb-ft of torque should also be available for those looking for a smoother power delivery. The one everyone is looking for is the diesel. It seems that the Gladiator might get a new inline-four diesel with as much as 200 horsepower. At this point, the details are still unknown, but it should make for a great competitor for GM’s 2.8 liter Duramax inline 4.